Coaching Resources
These books, tools, and frameworks are intended for coaches interested in expanding their toolkit, individuals applying coaching techniques to their own lives, or anyone interested in personal development.
All of these pages, authors, and books have been instrumental not only in my personal journey but also in my growth as a coach, and I hope they serve you well on your path to unlocking untapped potential. Don’t forget to check back periodically; I update this page regularly.
Comments? Suggestions? I’d love to hear from you.
Books
- “MetaManagement” by Fred Kofman
Description: Explores the integration of business management with personal growth, emotional intelligence, and ethical thinking.
Keywords: Business ethics, personal development, conscious leadership, accountability, mental models, organizational transformation
Link: MetaManagement on Goodreads - “The Agile Mind” by Estanislao Bachrach (2016)
Description: Examines how the brain works and provides practical techniques for developing mental agility and creativity.
Keywords: Neuroscience, creativity, mental flexibility, neuroplasticity, learning, cognitive change
Link: The Agile Mind on Goodreads - “Flow” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Description: Investigates optimal experiences and how people reach states of complete absorption in their activities.
Keywords: Optimal experience, engagement, happiness, peak performance, intrinsic motivation, positive psychology
Link: Flow on Goodreads - “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
Description: Focuses on spiritual enlightenment through living in the present moment and transcending thoughts of past or future.
Keywords: Mindfulness, presence, spiritual growth, awareness, meditation, stress reduction
Link: The Power of Now on Goodreads - “The Oz Principle” by Roger Connors, Tom Smith, and Craig Hickman
Description: Focuses on accountability and moving from victim mentality to taking responsibility.
Keywords: Accountability, responsibility, organizational culture, victim mentality, ownership, cultural change
Link: The Oz Principle - “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier (2016)
Description: The bestselling coaching book of the decade. Focuses on asking better questions instead of giving advice. Provides seven essential questions that transform coaching conversations and make them more impactful in just 10 minutes. A practical guide to building a coaching habit that sticks.
Keywords: Powerful questions, curiosity, effective coaching, brief conversations, non-directive coaching, questioning
Link: The Coaching Habit - “The Inner Game of Work” by W. Timothy Gallwey (2000)
Description: The book that laid the philosophical foundation for non-directive coaching. Gallwey argues that performance is not about adding skills but about removing interference, the mental obstacles we create for ourselves. A direct precursor to the knowing-doing gap. Read “The Inner Game of Tennis” first if you want the original formulation.
Keywords: Non-directive coaching, interference, self 1 vs self 2, performance, inner obstacles, awareness, focus
Link: The Inner Game of Work - “Co-Active Coaching” by Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Philip Sandhal, Laura Whitworth (4th edition)
Description: Often considered one of the foundational books in coaching, it presents the Co-Active coaching model emphasizing the coaching relationship as a powerful communication process. Full of practical exercises and real-world examples.
Keywords: Co-Active model, coaching relationship, foundational coaching, ICF, effective communication, coaching alliance
Link: Co-Active Coaching - “The Prosperous Coach” by Steve Chandler and Rich Litvin (2013)
Description: A great guide focusing on client-coachee connection, transformative conversations, and creating a thriving practice beyond the business practice.
Keywords: Coaching business, authentic relationships, abundance, transformative conversations, practice development, deep coaching
Link: The Prosperous Coach - “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith
Description: Goldsmith is one of the founding fathers of Coaching, this is one of his most successful books. He identifies workplace habits that hold successful people back. Great read if you focus on executive and leadership coaching.
Keywords: Executive coaching, limiting habits, behavioral change, leadership, professional success
Link: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There - “Changing for Good” by James O. Prochaska, John C. Norcross, and Carlo C. DiClemente
Description: The leading framework for assessing where clients are in their change journey and how to effectively support them at each stage.
Keywords: Stages of change, change readiness, behavior modification, transtheoretical model, motivation for change, coaching process
Link: Changing for Good on Goodreads - “Coaching Questions: A Coach’s Guide to Powerful Asking Skills” by Tony Stoltzfus
Description: A comprehensive guide with over 1,200 powerful coaching questions organized by topic. An essential reference for developing mastery in the art of asking.
Keywords: Powerful questions, questioning techniques, coaching questions, listening skills, non-directive questioning
Link: Coaching Questions at Coach22 - “Immunity to Change” by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey
Description: A framework for understanding obstacles to change and practical suggestions for overcoming them. Because being willing to change is not really enough.
Keywords: Competing commitments, transformational learning, adult development, obstacles to change, hidden dynamics, resistance to change
Link: Immunity to Change - “Ontología del Lenguaje” by Rafael Echeverría (1994)
Description: The foundational text of ontological coaching. Echeverría argues that language does not describe reality, it creates it. Central concepts: the observer model, and how the stories we tell ourselves shape what we can and cannot do. Dense but essential if you want to understand why coaching works through language analysis rather than advice-giving. Available in Spanish; an English adaptation exists as “The Art of Listening.”
Keywords: Ontological coaching, language acts, observer model, speech acts, narratives, linguistic analysis, non-directive coaching
Link: Ontología del Lenguaje
Useful Reads
- ICF Code of Ethics
Description: The International Coaching Federation is the most important Coaching Accreditation body in the world. These are the ethical guidelines they established for professional coaches.
Keywords: Ethics, professional standards, coaching guidelines, professional ethics, coaching certification, best practices
Link: Official Website - The Coaching Tools Company
Description: Provides downloadable coaching tools, worksheets, and exercises for professional coaches. Content is not free, but it remains one of the largest online repository of practical coaching resources.
Keywords: Coaching resources, worksheets, practical tools, downloadable tools, coaching exercises, templates
Link: Official Website - European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC)
Description: The EMCC is a leading global professional body providing accreditation and ethics, the main accreditation institution based in Europe and co-signer with ICF of the Professional Charter for Coaching recognized by the European Union. Active in 140+ countries.
Keywords: Coach certification, professional standards, coaching community, European accreditation, continuing education, professional ethics, mentoring
Link: Official Website - Professional Charter for Coaching, Mentoring and Supervision
Description: If you want to understand why coaching is a legitimate, self-regulated profession, this is the document to read. Co-signed by eight major organizations including ICF and EMCC, it has been accepted on the European Union’s official database for self-regulated professions. It’s the closest thing to a global regulatory framework the coaching industry has.
Keywords: Self-regulation, professional standards, coaching ethics, EU recognition, coaching charter, mentoring standards, professional conduct
Link: EU Database Entry, Full Charter (PDF) - Global Code of Ethics for Coaches, Mentors and Supervisors
Description: When choosing a coach, you should know what ethical standards they follow. This shared code was co-developed by EMCC and the Association for Coaching (AC) and represents the broadest ethical consensus in the profession, regardless of which specific body a coach belongs to.
Keywords: Ethics, code of conduct, coaching ethics, mentoring ethics, professional standards, global standards, EMCC, AC
Link: Official Website - ICF 2025 Global Coaching Study
Description: The most comprehensive snapshot of where the coaching profession stands today. Based on over 10,000 coaches in 127 countries, it covers industry growth, what clients expect, and how credentials impact results. Essential reading if you’re considering coaching — or if you’re a coach who wants to understand the market.
Keywords: Coaching research, industry data, coaching trends, coaching profession, global study, ICF research, market data, coaching statistics
Link: Executive Summary (ICF) - Global Coaching and Mentoring Alliance (GCMA)
Description: The three largest coaching organizations in the world — ICF, EMCC, and the Association for Coaching — formed this alliance to align professional standards globally. If you want to see where the profession is heading and what “good practice” means across borders, this is the reference.
Keywords: Coaching alliance, ICF, EMCC, AC, professional standards, global collaboration, coaching profession, self-regulation
Link: ICF Partner Page - Universal Coaching Institute
Description: Provides coach training and certification programs focused on various coaching niches. ICF accredited for CCE.
Keywords: Coach training, certification, coaching niches, accredited training, coaching specializations, online programs
Link: Official Website - Coaching Realista
Description: One of the strongest examples of non-directive coaching methodology available online. Great content and coaching framework.
Keywords: Coach training, certification, non directive coaching, non-directive coaching, methodology, framework
Link: Curso de Coaching Realista - “How to Become a Fully Booked Coach” by Tim Brownson
Description: Provides a 10-stage launch guide for building a successful coaching practice.
Keywords: Coaching business, client acquisition, practice development, marketing for coaches, coaching pricing, sales sessions
Link: The Fully Booked Coach (free by leaving an email) - “The 77 Lessons” by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Description: A PDF with practical advice from Schwarzenegger’s 77 years of experiences across multiple careers. A free tool sent by Arnold in his newsletter, which is a good source of food for thought if you enjoy positive thinking and motivational content.
Keywords: Motivation, life lessons, success principles, resilience, discipline, personal growth
Link: 77 lessons pdf, mailing list
Research & Evidence
- Historical Pitfalls and New Directions in the Neuroscience of Emotion
Description: An historical perspective on the study of emotions from a neuroscientific perspective.
Keywords: Neuroscience, emotional regulation, scientific research
Link: Paper - Neuroplasticity and Clinical Practice: Building Brain Power for Health
Description: A scientific overview in modern Psychology on evidence-based connections between neuroplasticity and general health and the impact of pursuing individualized goals.
Keywords: Neuroplasticity, mental health, evidence-based, clinical neuroscience
Link: Paper - “The effectiveness of workplace coaching: a meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches”
Authors: Yi-Ling Lai, Stephen Palmer (2022)
Published in: Journal of Work-Applied Management (Emerald)
Description: Meta-analysis of 20 studies on the relationship between Psichology and coaching approaches. It shows measurable positive effects of coaching practices on psychological conditions.
Keywords: Positive psychology coaching, cognitive behavioral coaching, goal attainment, self-efficacy, evidence-based research, coaching effectiveness
Link: Full Article (Emerald) - “The effects of executive coaching on behaviors, attitudes, and personal characteristics: a meta-analysis of randomized control trial studies”
Authors: Adela Nicolau, Carmen Candel, Ticu Constantin, Christel G. Kleingeld (2023)
Published in: Frontiers in Psychology (PMC)
Description: A study of 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of executive coaching on behaviors, attitudes, and personal characteristics.
Keywords: Executive coaching, RCT coaching, behavioral change, self-efficacy, psychological resilience, randomized controlled trials
Link: Full Paper (PMC) - ICF Research Portal
Description: Access to hundreds of peer-reviewed studies on coaching effectiveness, published research papers, and evidence-based resources from the International Coaching Federation.
Keywords: ICF research, coaching studies database, academic research, evidence-based coaching
Link: ICF Research Portal - Institute of Coaching (Harvard Medical School)
Description: Evidence-based research and best practices in coaching from Harvard Medical School’s Institute of Coaching, including scientific studies on coaching effectiveness. An endless repository of evidence-based coaching material.
Keywords: Harvard coaching research, evidence-based coaching, coaching science, best practices
Link: Institute of Coaching Research
Tools & frameworks
- The Wheel of Life
Description: A very effective visual assessment tool that helps clients evaluate satisfaction across different life domains.
Keywords: Life balance, personal assessment, goals, personal objectives, visual assessment, goal prioritization
Link: Positive Psychology Wheel of Life - GROW Model
Description: One of the most well known and used models. A structured coaching framework focusing on Goals, Reality, Options, and Will (or Way Forward).
Keywords: Goal setting, coaching framework, action planning, session structure, coaching questions, non-directive model
Link: WP GROW Model - Readiness to Change Ruler
Description: A deceptively simple tool from Motivational Interviewing: ask the client to rate their readiness to change on a scale of 1 to 10, then follow up with “why not a lower number?” rather than “why not higher?”. The source text is “Motivational Interviewing” by Miller & Rollnick, now in its 4th edition.
Keywords: Readiness to change, motivational interviewing, ambivalence, stages of change, resistance, Miller Rollnick
Link: Readiness to Change Ruler by CWR University, Motivational Interviewing on GoodReads - The Coaching Canvas
Description: Probably the most powerful tool on this list, it changed my whole approach to coaching. A visual map to track client goals, impediments, facilitators, and action plans. The coachingcanvas.org site is offline, but you can access its Creative Commons content via the Wayback Machine archive linked below.
Keywords: Coaching structure, visual planning, method, framework, goal mapping, obstacles and resources, action plan
Link: Official Website via Wayback Machine, The genesis of the canvas by Alaimo (ES) - SMART Goals Framework
Description: Another classic, always a powerful starting point in every assessment. A goal-setting approach ensuring objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Keywords: Goal setting, objective planning, achievement metrics, measurable goals, strategic planning, progress monitoring
Link: a very good introduction to the topic is available in this How to Write SMART Goals by the University of California - Circle of Excellence
Description: NLP technique for accessing and anchoring resourceful emotional states. I am personally hesitant on the reliability of NLP practices as I can see studies proving some value and others debunking it as a whole, yet in my practice I have experienced positive results with some NLP tools. The CoE is one of them.
Keywords: NLP, state management, confidence building, emotional anchoring, resource states, applied NLP - Be-Do-Have Model
Description: The Be Do Have model is one of the simplest and most powerful tools to visualize, plan and keep track of future goals. The model was introduced by Steven Covey in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and then adapted to be used in endless variations.
Keywords: Identity work, behavior change, achievement process, goal setting, personal identity, strategic actions, transformative model - Appreciative Inquiry
Description: A niche coaching model, a strength-based approach focusing on what works well rather than problems.
Keywords: Strengths-based, positive focus, organizational development, appreciative approach, solution focus, organizational change
Link: Center for Appreciative Inquiry
Authors
- Fred Kofman
Description: Philosopher and leadership development expert known for conscious business concepts.
Keywords: Conscious business, leadership development, business ethics, effective communication, personal responsibility, ontology
Link: Fred Kofman LinkedIn - Sir John Whitmore
Description: Pioneer of coaching in the workplace and creator of the GROW model.
Keywords: GROW model, performance coaching, leadership development, sports coaching, performance management, coaching pioneer - Carol Dweck
Description: Psychologist renowned for research on mindset and its impact on achievement.
Keywords: Growth mindset, fixed mindset, achievement psychology, growth mindset, resilience, learning
Link: Carol Dweck – Stanford - Martin Alaimo
Description: Expert in agile coaching and author of “Agile Coach Professional.” I personally consider him one of the most useful authors for understanding how non-directive coaching works and the impact it can have.
Keywords: Agile coaching, team development, organizational transformation, agile methodologies, facilitation, management 3.0
Link: Martin Alaimo – Linkedin - Albert Bandura
Description: Psychologist known for social learning theory and self-efficacy research.
Keywords: Self-efficacy, social learning, psychological resilience, self-efficacy, social theory, cognitive psychology - Rafael Echeverría
Description: Founder of ontological coaching and developer of the OSAR model.
Keywords: Ontological coaching, language analysis, transformational learning, ontological coaching, language, OSAR model
Link: NewfieldConsulting Bio (the Coaching Firm he founded after splitting from Olalla) - Marshall Goldsmith
Description: Leading executive coach known for stakeholder-centered coaching.
Keywords: Executive coaching, leadership development, behavioral change, stakeholder-centered coaching, feedforward, behavioral change
Link: Marshall Goldsmith - Martin Seligman
Description: Founder of positive psychology and researcher on happiness and well-being.
Keywords: Positive psychology, learned optimism, authentic happiness, PERMA model, psychological wellbeing, authentic happiness
Link: Authentic Happiness - Michael Bungay Stanier
Description: Author of the million-copy bestseller “The Coaching Habit” and founder of Box of Crayons. Known for making coaching practical and accessible to leaders and managers. His work focuses on building a coaching habit through curiosity-driven questions.
Keywords: Coaching questions, curiosity, practical coaching, effective brevity, leadership coaching, questioning
Link: Box of Crayons - Steve Chandler
Description: Author and executive coach specializing in helping coaches and consultants build prosperous practices through authentic relationships. Co-author of “The Prosperous Coach” with Rich Litvin. Known for his direct, transformative approach to coaching business development.
Keywords: Coaching business, authenticity, client relationships, prosperity, abundance mindset, coaching development
Link: Steve Chandler - Rich Litvin
Description: High-performance coach and co-author of “The Prosperous Coach.” Works with high achievers including Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, and successful entrepreneurs. Known for creating deep, transformative coaching relationships.
Keywords: High-performance coaching, deep transformation, executive coaching, meaningful relationships, deep coaching
Link: Rich Litvin - Henry & Karen Kimsey-House
Description: Co-founders of the Coaches Training Institute (CTI) and co-authors of “Co-Active Coaching.” Pioneers in the coaching field who developed the Co-Active model, one of the most widely used coaching frameworks globally.
Keywords: Co-Active coaching, CTI, coach training, relational model, coaching pioneers, ICF
Link: Co-Active Training Institute - Herminia Ibarra
Description: Professor at London Business School and former Harvard faculty. Expert on leadership, career transitions, and professional identity. Author of “Working Identity” and “Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader.” Her research focuses on unconventional strategies for career reinvention.
Keywords: Career transition, professional identity, career reinvention, leadership, identity change, working identity
Link: Herminia Ibarra – LBS - Joseph Campbell
Description: Mythologist who developed the concept of the Hero’s Journey.
Keywords: Hero’s journey, mythology, personal transformation
Link: Joseph Campbell Foundation - Julio Olalla
Description: Olalla is a Chilean-born coach and founder of the Newfield Network, widely considered a pioneer of ontological coaching.
Keywords: ontological coaching, language, emotions
Link: Instagram, Newfield Network - Tim Brownson
Description: Life coach and author focused on helping coaches build successful practices. Tim has a very prolific mailing list on coaching and business if you enjoy frequent mails.
Keywords: Coaching business, practice development, client acquisition, NLP coaching, business development, marketing coaching
Link: The Fully Booked Coach